“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Anyone remember whispering this to themselves on the playground when bullies would hurl unkind words your way? At the time…
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him”(Matthew 4:19-20). This has always been a fascinating portion of scripture to me. I am often drawn back to it, and my imagination runs wild with possibilities.…
Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever, (Psalm 106:1, Holy Bible, New King James). You’ve seen the adverse effects of permanent things—black marks on the wall made by a happy toddler, a scar from an accidental knife cut while…
“Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed,” (Matthew 8:13, Holy Bible, Contemporary English Version). This time in the life of Jesus begins when He healed a leper and ends when Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.…
“Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!” (Psalm 146:1, Holy Bible, NKJ). Shallow thanks or other expressions of gratitude echo the hollow sound of a rehearsed delivery, absent of enthusiasm, offered for social requirements. The psalmist proclaims “Praise the Lord!” He repeats it, then declares the sounds more…
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name,” (Psalm 103:1, Holy Bible, King James). When I think of blessings, I anticipate good things heading my way. Happy moments. Pleasant telephone conversations. Time with friends. But that isn’t what the Psalmist had in…
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” (Psalm 139:23, Holy Bible, King James Version). My kitchen has a tools drawer where I can easily reach for a hammer, screwdriver, picture hangers, packing tape, thumbtacks, or other useful household items. I often have to…
“The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3, Holy Bible, New King James). Time is measured in precise increments but may seem different depending upon the event in progress. When an…
“Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy” (Psalm 100:2, Holy Bible, New Living Translation). How many times have you entered a sanctuary or place of worship saddened by life’s wrong turns? Personal obstacles became roadblocks between you and God. You responded to the music, habitual praise from…